Calling it a manor is probably a little extreme, as far as housing goes in this city. Still, the place's name is indicative of the spirit of its inhabitants: they refuse to surrender their dignity, to the point that the pretense seems a little embarrassing.

Rexley descends the stairs from his private room and draws Yoren aside. "Listen, I know you have no reason to trust me, and every reason not to. But in any case, I would like to see that the girls have a safe place to sleep for the night after all they've been through. You and Master Veraltet are welcome to stay here and guard these girls. Whether you think the threat would be me or an outsider, the extra protection for them would certainly not be turned away."

Rexley seems to understand the difference in the smiles - of course he does, given the political games he plays. After bowing slightly to Mr. Halscreft - the bow of an equal - he walks over to Tod, presumably posing the same question. Tod nods.

Leticia, meanwhile seems to be enjoying her meal. She's already finished with a large portion of it. She is an impressively fast eater.

Nalima takes the plates from the two girls and carries them to the kitchen herself. Could it be that the Croix house is too poor to have more than two servants? "Alright, let's get the two of you tucked into bed."

Eisele looks around at the busy room. "Wow, it hasn't been this festive in a long time~" she declares. Then her smile freezes and tears fill her eyes. "B-but why does it feel so lonely without Noel?"

Rexley lays a hand on her shoulder in comfort. When he speaks, though, it is to Valentine. "Miss Gatsby, do you wish to spend the night here? We can have a bed drawn up for you, if you wish. If you would rather return to your own estates, I can have you escorted there for safety. I do not wish you to leave alone, in case our house is being watched."

"I'd be delighted to stay for the night, although I'll have to inform my father and the servants. They're probably worried enough as is." Apparently, she hadn't thought to contact them before going on her little adventure.

"I doubt I shall tonight," Tod replies. "But I would like permission to check your manor's wards. I have been reading up on structural warding, and..."

"Perhaps it would be best if you discussed this with Eisele. I am no scholar of magic. I shall prepare a room across from your sisters', and a bed just in case." With a final bow, he trots off.

---

"Do you have a means of communication with you, Miss Gatsby? Ah, never mind, I shall fetch ours. I shall return momentarily." He returns momentarily with an old looking wooden rod with a brass knob on one end. "It's... somewhat old, but should still work."

---

Nalima turns off the lamp in Ina and Leticia's room, leaving only the cracked crystal candelabra glowing, filling the room with warm light.

Leticia pulls the covers up over her. "It's so cold in the city..." She yawns again.

"That'll do, thank you." As she contacts her estate and greets the person on the other end, one can faintly hear a panicked female voice on the other end. "Felicia, calm down and let me explain..." And thusly she begins summarizing the events that had transpired.

Yoren retouches and recharges all of the general wardings of the manor, as well as redoing all of the ones to strengthen the building itself. After he's done, he establishes a general power circuit so the wards will be powered by the surrounding area and the light of the sun and moon.

He bends down and touches the center warding, and the entire wardnet flares to life.

All in all, it takes about twenty minutes.

He turns to Nalima and asks, "Honestly, how long have these wards been up? Most were long uncharged."

It's not an admonishment, more just his curiosity.

_________________"Don’t do what you can’t undo, until you’ve considered what you can’t do once you’ve done it.”

Nalima nods thoughtfully. "With the death of our father some fifty years ago, we couldn't really afford to keep them renewed. I came back from a hunting trip to find that internal wards were being used. That said, I am afraid we still lack the funds to repay you for your warding."

---

"I... I don't remember." A huge yawn, and Leticia closes her eyes.

---

Rexley accepts the item back from Valentine. "Tobias will set up a room for you. Are there any particular requirements you have?"